Meet Grateful Patients

Ms Jasmine Yau

When Jasmine was one, her parents noticed that she was still not able to stand or flip over. They took her to a specialist and Jasmine was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare genetic disorder which causes muscle weakness and degeneration over time.

Over the years, Jasmine and her family have adapted to her condition and technology has heIped her remain as independent as possible. Last year, when Jasmine turned 26, she received her first motorised reclining wheelchair with the support from NNI Fund. It is more convenient to use than her old wheelchair as it allows Jasmine to recline and relax her muscles when she is tired instead of having to be transferred to a bed.

"Thank you for helping me buy the motorised wheelchair. I am much more comfortable in it and can even control it on my own for short distances."

Mr Choong Sing Choy (Caregiver)

Sing Choy's wife, Mdm Ong Bee Lian, has neuromyelitis optica, an autoimmune condition which causes the body's immune system to damage the spinal cord and nerves of the eyes. It all began seven years ago when she felt a numbness in her right leg. Now at age 56, Bee Lian is unable to move her arms and legs, relies on a wheelchair to move around and uses a ventilator every night to help her breathe.

Sing Choy had to leave his job as a security guard to look after his wife full-time. Paying for Bee Lian's sight saving medication is challenging as their son is currently looking for a job and their daughter is studying at the Institute of Technical Education.

"Thank you for helping for our family to pay for the medical bills. It means a lot to us."

Mdm Shirley Tan – Holding on to Hope

“I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis last November, a neuromuscular condition that causes weakness in my muscles. This causes me to feel lethargic constantly. I am also unable to control the muscles of my throat, so there are days when I cannot even swallow food and water.

As a self-employed hairdresser, this has impacted me greatly because my arms are too weak to even perform basic tasks, such as washing my customers’ hair. In addition to the loss of income, I also have to care for my aged mother who has health issues. The stress from all these worsen my condition.

However, I am thankful for my family, who have always been there for me and encouraged me not to give up. I would also like to extend my gratitude towards the donors of NNI Fund. Without you and my medical social worker’s help, I would not be able to afford treatment.

You have helped to reduce my stress so that I can better manage my condition.”

Mr Poonusamy Suresh (Caregiver) – A Pillar of Strength

“Five years ago I went through one of the toughest moments of my life. My wife suddenly collapsed at home while I was at work. Doctors diagnosed her with an autoimmune disease. She was unable to control her speech and movements and was hospitalised for over three months. I became the sole breadwinner and was worried as I had to make sure my family had food to eat.

Thankfully, our parents helped to care for my wife and children while I was at work. My wife had to take a lot of medicine in the following months, and it was expensive.

She is now well because we could pay forn the medication with help from the NNI Fund. I can say this with confidence, that my wife could only have survived because of the NNI Fund.

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”

Click here to donate today and make a difference to the lives of other patients like Mdm Tan and Mr Suresh.